News & Notes

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White Oak Lanes Changes Ownership

Mar 23, 2018

Two things have been very synonymous in the duckpin industry for six decades — White Oak Lanes in Silver Spring, MD and its owner Ralph Curry. After 62 years of working in the duckpin game, Ralph sold his highly respected 24-lane center to George Sloan on February 12.

Ralph was a very active and leading proprietor, who held many offices in the association over the years. He was especially supportive of the NDYA program and the Pro Tours.

The Duckpin News discussed George’s entry into the duckpin bowling business.

Q. What motivated you to buy the business?
A. Keeping this game alive. I have been a bowler for the majority of my life and if White Oak were to close, I would more than likely have to give duckpins up as there are no bowling alleys very close to me.

Q. What is your background in duckpins?
A. I started bowling in an adult-youth league at 12 years old, joined a youth league at 14 and have bowled pretty much ever since (I'm 31 now). White Oak was also my first job. I started working here part time when i was 15 and still in high school. I have worked here about 12 years prior to buying it. My parents met here and both grandfathers were avid bowlers. My grandmother on my dad's side was a bowler as well.

Q. Are you looking forward to being a duckpin proprietor?
A. Absolutely! I get to be my own boss, work in the game that I love, and interact with hundreds of nice people everyday. Who wouldn't look forward to that?!

“We welcome George to the duckpin industry and wish him much success,” said Allison Rineer, President of the DBPA. “Ralph will truly be missed among our ranks and we wish him well during his retirement.”

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Duckpin Proprietors Elect Officers and Board Members

Oct 27, 2017

The Duckpin Bowling Proprietors of America elected their officers and Board members at a meeting held in the Poconos on Wednesday, October 25, 2017. The following people were elected:

• President - Alyson Rineer Taylor, Mt. Airy Lanes
• Vice President - David Richardson, Greenmount Bowl
• Secretary - Megan Adkins, Suitland Bowl
• Treasurer - Frank Ferri (interim)
• Marketing - Chris Roth, Parkville Lanes
• Connecticut At-Large - Sandi Thomas
• Rhode Island At-Large - John Paterra
• Virginia At-Large - Hope Shull

Additional Duckpin Proprietors Association Notes

• Chris Roth is the Marketing & Promotions Director
• Mike Hall, Severna Park Lanes, is the DBPA representative to the Bowling Proprietors Association of America

“I am very excited about our new Board and the direction we are going in,” said Alyson. “We have a lot of opportunities to grow our sport.”

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DPBA Tour Wrap-Up Notes

Oct 19, 2017

Mike Herbert won the Men’s Masters on Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at Johnson’s Lanes in CT. by defeating Jesse Dietsch, 151-121, in the title match.

Jesse Dietsch earned Bowler of the Year honors

Colton Gue was Rookie of the Year

Gary Santora was Senior of the Year

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Parkville Lanes to Reopen

July 20, 2017

Parkville Lanes, a 26-lane center in Baltimore, is slated to reopen in early August. The center closed last fall due to physical plant problems. Four long-time customers of the center — Chris Roth, Christopher Jacobs, Steven Rowley and Carmelo Chiedi — acquired the business.

“Parkville was one of our favorite houses to bowl in. We heard that we may be able to rescue it so we did. All four of us love duckpin bowling and want to do our part to save the game,” stated Roth.

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Zander Beddow Rolls Second 200 Game!

June 16, 2017

There must be something about competing in major youth tournaments that brings out the best in Zander Beddow. First, in the National Invitationals, Zander bowled an all-mark 213 game at AMF Southwest on February 17. The Marylander then followed that up with an all-wood 207 game in the Maryland Invitationals last Sunday, June 11, at AMF Pikesville. His game included 5 strikes and 4 spares.

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Team Iafolla Wins Inaugural $16,000 Preakness Duckpin Classic

May 16, 2017

HAMPSTEAD, MD- Team Iafolla (Regina Greco, Tony Iafolla, Bob Niedzwicki, George Conn, IV and Rob Stevens) posted a nail-biting 10th frame victory, 766-759, in the team championship portion of the $16,000 Preakness Duckpin Classic at Greenmount Bowl on May 14. The winning team took home a top prize of $5,000 and five Turfside Terrace tickets to Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan days for their efforts. 

Team Ball (Steven Hoover, Eric Ball, Will Cook, Patrick Sortino and Jeff Francis) banked $2,500 for finishing second.

The two finalist teams were tied with two bowlers each remaining in the final frame however Team Iafolla was able to squeak out a thrilling last second victory with a clutch strike and ten count by Conn and a conveniently-timed four pin spare by Stevens to win by seven pins. 

This championship match and each preliminary contest in the head-to-head round can be viewed in its entirety at Duckpin TV.

The individual portion of the event was won by Colton Gue who defeated Randy Farlow by a score of 173-152 on Saturday evening at Mt. Airy Lanes before a raucous crowd.  Gue took home a top prize of $1,000 and two Turfside Terrace tickets to Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan for his victory while Farlow banked $500 for second.

The individual championship and preliminary matches can also be viewed on Duckpin TV.

A total of 24 teams of five competed in this inaugural event over three days at Mt. Airy Lanes and Greenmount Bowl to rave reviews. The event attracted bowlers from Maryland, Connecticut, Washington DC, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“This weekend was honestly the most exciting duckpin event I have ever been a part of,” commented participant Stacey Pickett. “The event’s format allows lower average bowlers the ability to compete at the highest level and the connection with horse racing was a really fun and creative component."

The Preakness Duckpin Classic was a hybrid 80% handicap tournament where bowlers competed in both an individual and team portion simultaneously. Each portion was split into two separate conferences named after Preakness winners Smarty Jones and American Pharaoh. The top individual bowlers competed in a single elimination tournament on Saturday evening at Mt. Airy Lanes. 

The top eight teams competed against each other at Greenmount Bowl on Sunday morning. 

Famed duckpinner Joe Rineer provided expert color commentary for the Duckpin TV broadcasts reminiscent of his appearances on various Duckpin television shows in the 1980’s and early 90’s. Rineer joined Pat Ruffo, Billy Koontz and Jim Kauffman in the coverage.  

Organizers wish to sincerely thank all participants and fans for a successful first year event. It has been stated that if there is substantial interest next year, a third 12-lane duckpin house allowing 36 total teams to compete is a possibility.

Also, bowlers are reminded of Sunday Duckpin Tournament Series held monthly at Greenmount Bowl. The next event is scheduled for June 4, 2017 at 10am. All adult duckpin bowlers are invited. Visit the event’s Facebook page for more information.

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Andy Fierlit Captures First Men's Pro Tour Stop

May 4, 2017

Andy Fierlit won the season opening tour stop and $2,200 first place prize of the Duckpin Professional Bowlers Association at Highland Bowl in Cheshire, CT last weekend.

Fierlit was in 8th place after the 8-game qualifier with 1,225 pinfall. He then proceeded to go 5-0 with a 743 pinfall in divisional match play. He defeated three players in the final round to earn the title.

• Fierlit, 158 vs. Randy Farlow, 130
• Fierlit, 158 vs. Mark Berends, 131
• Fierlit, 160 vs. John Davis, Jr., 131

81 bowlers competed and the top 24 cut score was 1,151. Four 200 games were bowled.

• Randy Farlow - 225
• Ron Pelletier - 226, 201
• James Simon - 224

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Men's Pro Tour Kicks Off 54th Season This Weekend

Apr 26, 2017

The Duckpin Professional Bowlers Association will get its 54th season rolling this weekend, April 28-29-30, at Highland Bowl in Cheshire, CT. The first of seven tour stops will feature a $2,200 first place prize. The defending Bowler of the Year is John Zikis. A new highlight on this year’s tour schedule is the June 16-17-18 stop at Meadowbrook Lanes in R.I. will allow women to enter.

Good luck to all of the DPBA members this season. For more information, visit www.DPBATour.com.

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Big Games Bowled in Southwestern MD NDYA State Tournament

Apr 24, 2017

Last weekend, April 15-16, saw some big scores produced in the Southwestern MARYLAND NDYA State Tournament at AMF Southwest in Linthicum). Tops for the event was a 213 game tossed by Kyle Bull. Kyle's game included six strikes (4 in a row) and three spares. Kyle will receive a 200 game plaque and Four Bagger emblem from the National Duckpin Youth Association.

Other bowlers who approached 200 were:
Zachary Richards - 199 (needed 8 on his 10th frame spare and got 7)
Colby DeAntoniis - 194
Colt Zimmerman - 191
Lasia. Washington - 148 all wood game

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Matt Buckingham Rolls 500 Set

Mar 28, 2017

Matt Buckingham, a NDYA major division bowler at AMF Dundalk (MD), rolled a 500 set on Sunday, March 26, during the NDYA Northeastern Maryland state tournament. His games were 186, 158 and 156. Matt will receive a 500 set award plaque from the NDYA.

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Gene Potter Rolls 221 Game

Mar 28, 2017

Gene Potter, a 20-year-old Major Division bowler, bowled a 221 game during NDYA league play at Town Hall Lanes in Johnston, R.I. on Saturday, March 25, 2017. Gene's game included seven strikes, including five in a row. He will receive a 200 Game Award Plaque from the NDYA.

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Congratulations to the 2017 Bill Yingling Memorial Scholarship Winners

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Hagerstown Youth Bowler Receives Awards Plaques

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Bingo to Benefit NDYA Set for March 18

Mar 8, 2017

N44. You know the game — Bingo. On Saturday, March 18, a Bingo night will be held with proceeds benefiting the NDYA 44th annual National Tournament and the St. Jude's Childrens Hospital. Spread the word. View the flyer

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Zander Beddow Bowls All-Mark 213 Game

Mar 6, 2017

NDYA bowler Zander Beddow was on his mark when he rolled an all-mark 213 game on February 17 during the Youth Invitationals match at AMF Pikesville (MD). Zander's game included six strikes. He knocked down 9 or more pins with his first ball in every frame but one and in that frame he knocked down 8 pins. He will receive a 200 game plaque and all-mark game plaque from the NDYA.

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Morgan Crouse Posts Two Personal High Scores

Mar 6, 2017

It was just three weeks ago that Morgan Crouse, a NDYA Junior Division (13-15) bowler at AMF Dundalk (MD), rolled a personal high 442 set. Yesterday she was at it again as she bowled a career high 193 game, which included five strikes in a row. Plus her other two games of 110 and 140 gave her a total of 443, which exceeded her previous set by one pin. Morgan will receive a +50 pins-over-average emblem, a four bagger emblem and a 5 marks in a row emblem.

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Jeffrey A. Wetzel Bowls 218 Game & 519 Set

Feb 28, 2017

Jeffrey A. Wetzel, a NDYA Major Division bowler (ages 16-21), rolled a 218 game and 519 set on Saturday, January 21, at Turner’s Dual Lanes in Hagerstown, MD. His other two games were 153 and 148. Jeffrey’s 218 game included six strikes (four in a row to start the game) and three spares. He will receive NDYA awards plaques for his game and set accomplishments.

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Mother Proud of Sons' All-Mark Games

Feb 27, 2017

As reported on Michelle Beddow's Facebook page: "Colton Gue, in his first year of adult league bowling, bowled an all mark 223 game with a 528 set at Walkersville Lanes (MD) on February 24. I had a 427 set so he only beat me by 101 pins! Not complaining at all. Glad I saw it happen in person. Great game and yes we all know Colton had to beat his brother Zander Beddow, who bowled an all mark 213 game he had over the weekend in NDYA league play. Still proud of you both. One day I will have my name in lights!"

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Recently Published Baltimore Sports Book Features Chapter on Toots Barger and Duckpin Bowling

Feb 3, 2017

A book titled Baltimore Sports, published last August, includes 20 chapters about Baltimore sports teams and athletes. One of the chapters, written by Stacy Karten, features Toots Barger and duckpin bowling. Read the sample chapter

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Mike Ware Bowls All-Mark 224 Game

Dec 12, 2016

Congratulations to Mike Ware who rolled an All-Mark 224 game on November 12 during the R.I. Duckpin Bowlers Association Tournament Series stop at Meadowbrook Lanes in Warwick. Mike's game included six strikes and four spares.

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Is It Time for a Scoring Change?

Nov 15, 2016

Some people in the duckpin ranks feel the game needs some kind of boost to create more interest and participation. One way this could be achieved is to change the way the game is scored to create higher scores. Keep in mind that when duckpin bowling started, there was already a scorekeeping process for tenpins so duckpins followed their system. However, since duckpins was more difficult, a third ball was added, which created the possibility of scoring a 10 in a frame.

There has never been a 300 game bowled in duckpins, while there are thousands of perfect games bowled in tenpins each year. As long ago as 1962, the duckpin leaders gave thought to changing the scoring system to make the scores on par with tenpins. Following is an article from a 1962 Bowling Proprietors Association magazine, which proposed a new way to score duckpins. This was 11 years before a separate Duckpin Bowling Proprietors Association and NDYA program were formed. The scorekeeping change campaign was led by the Duckpin Bowling Council and National Duckpin Bowling Congress, at that time 35 years old.

The Duckpin News has no ensuing results of the test but it seems like an interesting concept. Maybe it’s time to revisit changing the sport by altering the scoring methodology.

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After 51 Years of Coaching, It Never Gets Old for Paul Schneider

Sep 13, 2016

One of the nicest people you will ever meet in the duckpin game is long-time NDYA coach Paul Schneider of Baltimore. He has been teaching and guiding youth duckpinners for over 50 years and has influenced thousands of children on and off the lanes. The Duckpin News interviewed Paul to learn more about his tremendous service as a coach.

When did you start coaching?
In 1965 at Fair Lanes Westview with the Beechfield Bantams school league. They bowled on Saturday. I coached the first year and then took over for several years.

How did you get started?
A couple of nice ladies from our Recreation Council coached at Westview and talked me into working with the league.

How many different bowling center programs have you coached?
After the Beechfield Bantams I took over the Westview Juniors/Majors with the help of a good friend of mine. We worked for a long time with 20 teams of 5 bowlers. My friend did 10 and I did 10. We worked together getting both leagues, not only bowling within, but also bowling the other league. At the end of the season, we took our bowlers to Hershey Park quite a few times and never had a problem. Over the years the league got a little smaller and some things changed, but we hung in and coached. I also started attending as many coaching clinics as possible and eventually took my instructors test. I passed and started working with John Dolch and over the years helped him with all the clinics he did in the state of Maryland for many years and eventually was promoted to a National Instructor. When Westview closed on the last day (I had been coaching there for 48 years), there were around 75 of my previous bowlers who came to say goodbye and talk about all the good times we had.

Did you bowl?
Yes, from ages 16 to 75. My highest average was 142 and my high game was 225 and a 517 set.

What was your occupation?
I had a couple of clerical jobs and eventually went to work for Bethlehem Steel Corp at Sparrows Point and became an Administrative Assistant in the Human Relations Dept. for 33 years. I retired 1992. I had a part time job with Baltimore County Recs & Parks until I was 75.

What do you enjoy about coaching?
The bowlers, a lot of which as they got older joined my adult league, so many of them have become my adopted family and call me Pop/Poppy. I have had so many that I cannot say that I remember all but I still see a lot of them as much as possible. The extra close ones came to help me through my tough times.

You became a National Instructor and served as a State Director. Do you enjoy the tournaments?
Yes, however, the bowlers are main reason for my wanting to help wherever I can. The tournament allowed me to get to know some of the other bowlers from other houses.

What are the biggest changes you have seen in the game since you became involved?
Not only in bowling, but in life and all the new technology, the young kids just do not have the interest that was there in years gone past.

What is your favorite coaching memory?
There was a lot; some good and some not so good, but the one I remember best was I had a couple of bowlers whose averages were in the 130’s. This was years ago and they were on me a little. The inspiration must have helped me because I had a 5 bagger 225 game and a 517 set. They asked me after if I would give them another chance. I asked if they would give me another chance if the situation were reversed. They said no so I told them they had their answer.

Do you ever see any of the kids you coached many years ago?
Yes. As I said above, a lot of them have remained my friends & adopted family. I love them all and I also love the game of duckpins.